Wednesday, March 11, 2009

SERAPUH RANTING YANG REPUT......

25hb. Februari, 2009


Abg Aim meninggal.

SMS ringkas dari Ogy. Aku agak terperanjat kerana tidak pasti Abg Aim yang mana. Terus aku menelepon untuk kepastian Abg Aim yang mana (aku mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya 4 Aim dalam keluarga besar ku). Jawapannya - Abg Aim Makcik Munah. Sakit apa? Tak tau lah pulak.

Nama penuh Allahyarham ialah Abdul Rahim bin Abd Latiff. Nama panggilan Aim (A-Im). Umur 48 tahun. Kawan sepermainan ku sewaktu kecil. Rumah ibunya seperti rumah aku juga. Aku sering makan dan tidur di rumahnya. Kini dia tiada lagi di dunia ini. Dia mendahului kami semua.

Aku terus meminta kebenaran untuk meninggalkan pejabat dan pulang ke Melaka.

Terbayang di ruang mataku bahawa sekali lagi aku akan ke JALAN DURIAN DAUN untuk menghantar satu lagi insan yang mendahului aku dan akan menjadi terus penghuninya sehingga Hari Kiamat kelak.

Aku kemudian menelefon adik Allahyarham, Alias dan mendapat khabar yang Allahyarham meninggal kerana terlibat dalam satu kemalangan jalanraya sewaktu dalam perjalanan ke tempat kerja. Allahyarham adalah staf Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Aku turunkan apa yang telah diberitahu oleh Alias (Yak) tentang apa yang berlaku sebelumnya (dalam bahasa orang Melaka).

“Dia keluau rumah dalam pukul 8.00 pagi. Dalam pada dia nak keluau tu, dia menoleh belakang. Aku ternampak dan aku tanya dia :

Yak : Hah, apa hal?

Abg Aim : Zing tu bocor air masuk (sambil menunjuk ke arah bumbung rumah)

Yak : Hah, ok lah nanti aku repairlah

Dia pun terus keluau.

Dalam 15 minit lepas tu aku dapat telepon yang dia dah jatuh moto kena langgar van betol-betol kat depan pintu masuk Hospital Melaka. Lepas dia jato tu, satu keta tak sempat elak terus tergelek atas dada dia. Sababnya lah tu…..pasal biasenya dia ikut Jalan Durian Daun Dalam tapi hari ini pulak dia ikut Jalan Mata Kuching…..”

Bayangkanlah betapa rapuhnya nyawa kita sebagai hamba Allah di dunia ini. Dalam masa yang sekejap nyawa yang dipinjamkan pada kita Allah ambil semula tanpa notis malah tanda. Kalau dulu-dulu biasanya orang nak meninggal dia akan berkelakuan aneh dan kita akan gelarkan ia sebagai “buang tebiat”. Tapi sebenarnya tak ada tanda pun kita boleh mati atau pun sememangnya kita telah menjadi buta dan tak perasan tanda-tanda itu. Wallahualam.

Aku sampai sejurus selepas jenazah Allahyarham Abg Aim sampai dari Hospital Melaka selepas dibedah siasat, dimandi dan dikafankan. Suasana murung dan sedih walau pun cuaca agak panas terik. Ibunya tidak bertenaga untuk berdiri kerana terperanjat akan pemergian yang tiba-tiba ini tapi aku dapat rasakan beliau agak redha dengan ketentuan Allah SWT dalam mentadbir alam yang fana ini. Kalimah dan Istighfar keluar dari mulutnya berulang kali.

Adik beradik dan saudara dekat Allahyarham mengambil giliran memberi ciuman terakhir untuk Allahyarham sebelum jenazahnya diusung ke Masjid Pengkalan Rama untuk disembahyangkan sebelum dibawa ke JALAN DURIAN DAUN yang sebenarnya bertentangan dengan rumah Allahyarham dengan jarak yang hanya sepelaung. Dekat betul jaraknya tempat persemadian Allahyarham tapi tidak ada apa-apa kuasa pun di dunia ini yang boleh mengembalikannya semula. Beliau akan tinggal di tempat yang di panggil Alam Barzakh. Apa rupanya alam itu Wallahualam tapi yang pasti itu adalah tempat persinggahan sebelum Sangkala pertama dan kedua ditiup Malaikat Israfil untuk memusnahkan alam ini yang dipanggil Hari Kiamat. Semua makhluk yang diciptakan Allah SWT akan mati seperti firmanNya “Setiap yang hidup akan merasai mati”. Malaikat Izrail pun akan mati malah akan mencabut nyawanya sendiri dengan perintah Allah setelah semua makhluk lain mati – dia adalah makhluk ciptaan Allah SWT terakhir yang akan mati. Yang Maha Hidup hanya Allah SWT jua. Maha Hidup untuk selama-lamanya. Tiada permulaan dan tiada pengakhiran. Setelah itu Allah SWT akan membangkitkan semua manusia dari zaman Nabi Adam A.S. sehingga umat Nabi Muhammad SAW. Maka bermulalah era kehidupan baru yang dimulakan dengan Hari Pengadilan Allah SWT yang mana semua umatnya akan diadili dengan seadil-adilnya. Balasan yang setimpal juga pasti selepas itu.

Dah banyak aku keluar dari tajuk tapi ianya bukan cakap-cakap kosong. Sekurang-kurangnya ia satu peringatan pada diri aku sendiri.

Aku juga mengambil kesempatan untuk memberi kucupan terakhir ku kepada Allahyarham.

Jenazahnya diusung ke masjid dan solat jenazah dilakukan selepas sahaja Solat Zohor kami sempurnakan. Alhamdulillah, semuanya aman dan baik.

Sekejap kemudian kami dan jenazah tiba JALAN DURIAN DAUN. Tugas keempat iaitu mengebumikan yang mati terus sahaja dilakukan dan tidak berapa lama kemudian batu tanda kepala dan kaki kubur Allahyarham Abg Aim pun dicacakkan.

Bacaan Talkin untuk pendenganran, pengajaran dan peringatan yang hidup dan hadir di kubur pun dibacakan.

Tempat persemadian Allahyarham Abg Aim dekat sekali dengan tempat persemadian semua kaum keluarga aku. Aku sempat mengerling ke arah itu dan terdetik di hati ku, bila dan siapa pula selepas ini…..?

Selepas menghadiahkan Al-Fatehah, aku meninggalkan kuburnya.

Selamat tinggal Abg Aim. Doa kami semoga kamu berbahagia di dalam kubur mu. Semoga kubur mu adalah salah satu dari taman syurga. Insya’Allah.

Memanglah hidup ini lebih rapuh dari ranting kayu yang telah reput.......

“Mati adalah benar”
“Soal kubur adalah benar”
“Hari Kiamat adalah benar”
“Hari Mahsyar adalah juga benar”
“Nikmat Syurga adalah benar”
“Azab Neraka juga adalah benar”

Kenapa ramai yang terus mahu memilih untuk mencuba "kebenaran dan kesahihan" rangkap yang terakhir itu…..? Nauzubillah....

Ya Allah, Kau rahmatilah aku, sempurnakanlah iman ku, keluarga ku, sanak saudara ku, sahabat handai ku dan semua umat islam yang lain. Amin.

Al-Fatehah untuk Allahyarham Abg Aim. Amin.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

SO LONG, MY DEAR PAK LONG........(PART 2 - FINAL)

In the month of October 2007 (last Raya) the doctor confirmed Pak Long has colon cancer Stage 4. The Final Stage. He has ONLY 6 MONTHS to live. Of course he doesn’t understand the real meaning of it and how short can 6 months be.

If that is true, Raya 2007 would be his last raya with us.

The last time I saw him on him on his two feet is during a kenduri my mother throw for me before my 2007 Hajj trip. In fact, he wasn’t that well. He has fever. He has to go back to Mak Pet’s house even before the kenduri over. He cried and cried before he left as if he knows that his last time came to my house and the last time he sees most of us.

During my Hajj stay in Medina and Mecca, I never stop praying for him. Who knows Allah has another plan for him.

I return home on from Mecca on January 4, 2008. Another “kenduri kesyukuran” but this time Pak Long did not attend as he is not well but at least I know he is still around.

Pak Long hospitalized again in January 2008. Mak Pet who has much earlier stop helping Mak Nyah in her canteen to take care of Pak Long stay in the hospital most of the time to accompany him. But Mak Nyah, Mak Semah, Pakcik Kaya, Busu and my Mum will also take turn to accompany take care of Pak Long when they have the opportunity or when the not so healthy Mak Pet need some rest. Sometime, few of my other cousins also take their turn. Never a day or nite passed without anybody by Pak Long side. The doctor and nurses in Hospital Besar Melaka are really amazed to what they witness. To that, they have this to say :-

“The have seen most people similar to Pak Long condition (they meant “less” and also sickly) will be left alone and neglected. The most their family will send them to retirement home or just leave them alone in the hospital. Pak Long is one of very few lucky people. Eventhough he has no parents and no family but he still have siblings and relative that love and care for him even in his very unfortunate condition.....”

I went back to Melaka on 25th February, 2008 (Friday) for my parents 44th Anniversary. In fact we have planned this celebration since March 2007. We visited Pak Long that evening. I saw him in his hospital bed. He cried again when I “salam” him. He looked weak and fragile.

Since I have paid for the bungalow, my family have no choice but to go ahead with the celebration the next day (February 26th, 2008) only to pray nothing would happen to him during that weekend. Actually we are not into it 100% due to Pak Long condition, we have no choice as not to waste the money I have paid in advance. The consolation to our decision is only one thing - make our parents happy is also a good thing to do. It is consider “ibadah”.

Alhamdulillah, everything went well and nothing happened and no sad event.

Pak Long discharged from hospital about two weeks later. He spent his last few weeks in Mak Pet’s house. He still has no complaints or grievances over his deterioting condition. The most he says “sakit…..” when ever his siblings and relative visited him.

Date : March 7, 2008. Time : 4.15 a.m. Mak Pet’s woke up when Pak Long call her name. Pak Long says he want to sleep on the floor. In fact, of late often he asked to be allowed to sleep on the floor but Mak Pet refused to let him because the floor is cold. She doesn’t know why she has agreed to fulfill his wish that morning. She placed a mat and moved Pak Long from his bed onto the mat. He looks happy.

5.30 a.m. Mak Pet woke up again to go to toilet. She looks at Pak Long. He is sleeping soundly. As she comes out, she heard Azan Subuh. She walks toward Pak Long to ask whether Pak Long wants anything. Pak Long……she called. Quiet. Again, Pak Long…... Still quiet. She shook his body. No movement. Mak Pet rush to one of the bedroom to ask for help from one of his daughter. They both rush to Pak Long and the daughter confirmed the loss.

Pak Long died peacefully in his sleep. He has just left to join the people who has left earlier than him and us. More importantly, he left us to return to The Ultimate Creator and The Ultimate Owner of The Universe, Allah S.W.T. as he has promise when Allah created him and all of us.

I witnessed the “kafan” ritual. Pak Long face looks so serene as if he is sleeping. Deep sleep…..

Before Pak Long’s body leave the house for good, we have the last opportunity to kiss him good bye. One very sad moment that I would remember for a very very long time……..My turn came and I kiss him on his forehead also his right and left cheek. Good bye, my dear Pak Long. May Allah bless you and place you under His Ultimate Protection.

Pak Long’s body were brought to Masjid Pengkalan Rama in a Jenazah Van for “Solat Jenazah” after they performed the Solat Jumaat. Very rare I see Solat Jenazah performed by that many people but Pak Long’s were really blessed. Just imagine, he passed away on Friday (Penghulu Segala Hari) and his solat jenazah were performed by at least 250 peoples. Obviously, he is leading to his good days ahead…….Alhamdulillah

Immediately after the Solat Jenazah, Pak Long’s body were carried to Jalan Durian Daun. His grave is ready for him. We lowered his body into his “liang lahat” and in 10 minutes the last ritual of the for “Fardhu Kifayah” is done. “Talkin” is read by Imam Baba.

It came to my mine that no matter how no matter what no matter who you are no matter how much money you have you will also ended up alone in your grave. Only your doing will determine what kind of “living” you have in your own grave.

One by one left the graveyard. We are among the last few to leave. Pak Long is no longer with us as he is now in a place called "Alam Barzakh". But for sure he will be remembered forever. Even though I am very sad and cannot stop weeping, I believe he is in would have a better "live" to compare to what he had all his lifetime. He is in good "Hand".

Just a little note to my blog reader – My cousin brother, Reza’s wedding reception on March 16, 2008 was the first happy event we had since Pak Long left us for good that Friday, March 7, 2008. It was only 9 days away after our loss but we have no choice as all arrangements are done and the cards are sent out. Mak Nyah, Mak Pet and me were so sad until we cried and hugging each other during the wedding. During his life time, he likes attending wedding, kenduri, hari raya open house but his presence is normally not important and hardly noticed by many. But strange now as his absence is noticeable and felt by almost everyone in the family. We know somebody is missing. The missing person is not important but he is just a decoration which most people needs. But, nobody could fill the void he has left (I really wonder given a choice or opportunity, is there anybody or any of us want to be “like him” or rather fit enough to be him?).

Memories about Pak Long and his many funny character will stay and last forever.

Al-Fatehah to Pak Long and Semoga Allah Mencucuri Rahmat Ke Atas Rohnya. Amin

Monday, July 7, 2008

SO LONG, MY DEAR PAK LONG............(PART 1 OF 2)

Friday, March 7, 2008 - A day before the 12th General Election. At at 6.30 a.m. while I was getting ready to office as ususal, the voice of the Japanese Girl living in my hand phone prompted me of an incoming SMS.

The sms “Bang, Pak Long meninggal Suboh tadi”. Sender, Ogy, my sister.

Immediately I called Ogy and spoke to her briefly.

Apparently, Pak Long died in his sleep before Suboh on Friday, March 7, 2008 at the age of 68.

I also called my youngest sister, Non. As her husband is away, I offered to fetch her together with her three little childrens. The journey to Mak Pet’s house in Pulau Gadong, Melaka, where our dear Pak Long’s body lies took us just 1.5 hours.

Pak Long little lifeless body placed on a mattress in the living covered with “kain batik lepas”.

The first 2 “fardhu kifayah” i.e. “mandi dan kafan” will be done at Mak Pet’s house while the “solat jenazah” will take place after Solat Jumaat at Masjid Pengkalan Rama (our own very kampong where Pak Long was born, breed and spent most of his younger days). Immediately after that, we will send Pak Long to his final resting place – JALAN DURIAN DAUN. Familiar name of a place…………?

Pak Long real name is Abdul Wahab bin Abd Ghani and the eldest surviving uncle of mine. He was born normal and healthy until high fever affected his brain. He became retarded (after this I will drop the word retarded and replace the word with “less”)

Even Pak Long is “less”, he is still consider more and lovable to many to compare to many other “enough” peoples that I knew. He is very popular in our own kampong and few nearby “kampongs”. If he is free after helping to do some simple house chores (he is “less” but not stupid or lazy unlike some of us), he would go “jalan-jalan cari kerja”. In return to his “work” people will pay him a dollar or two. Sometime, he manages 5 to 10 ringgit. He doesn’t know the real meaning and the value of numbers as he never attended any school. But he know in order to get something in return from shops or kedai kopi, you need to present money. He only knows money by its colour i.e. biru, hijau or merah and to him “duit merah” is the highest value of all notes. He carries this thought until his last few months with us………..

In the mid 80’s, Pak Long came to live with my aunty in Kuala Lumpur. In fact I also live with her during my early days in Kuala Lumpur. When he is in the mood, me and my other cousins sister always tease him just to test how high his IQ go go to. Normally, after that we all will burst in laughter.

I like to share with you one funny event of teasing which took place some 20 years ago.

I used to have a beautiful grey Persian cat called Regent. Everyone in the house adore and love him. One evening we test him :-

Tipah,Su,Remah & Me : Pak Long, mei le kejap
Pak Long : Haah, nak apa?
TSRM : Pak Long, Pegi amek si Regent kat atas katil.
Pak Long : Nak buat apa?
TSRM : Pegi buang dia kat tong sampah besau kat depan.
Pak Long : Eh nak buang Regent? (he looked puzzled)
TSRM : Ye lah, pagi buang dia. Mak Nyah yang suroh (my aunty)
Pak Long : Betol ke? (He frown and look reluctant)
TSRM : Yeaaaa, pegi buang dia……
Pak Long : Alah, bohong……….Tak kan nak buang…….Sayang…
TSRM : Ye lah, pegi buang dia. Kita suma tak nak dia lagi lah….
Pak Long : Bohong nie. Tak nak la…..Suma sayang…..
TSRM : HAHAHAH… Kau ingat dia bodo ke? Kau org lagi bodo.Hahahah
And true enough he knows we just out to bluff him. So, the moral of the story is, he is “less” but he at least know what is the real meaning of love………
The second installment will come next week.......Be patient.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

IS IT A DAWN OF A NEW ERA & A BETTER FUTURE?

Dateline : March 8, 2008.

This date will be remembered by many Malaysian. Eligible Malaysian voters went out to their designated polling station to cast their vote in the 12th General Election. 222 Parlimentary seats are at stake. For a record, before the 12th General Election, 199 seats belongs to Barisan Nasional while the Opposition hold 23 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.

The result : Full official result only out on March 9, 2008. Barisan Nasional coalition survived the scare and still managed to form a Government for the next 5 years by a simple (slim)majority. A landslide victory of 199 seats in the Dewan Rakyat recorded during the 11th General Election in 2003 being reduced to 138 seats! For the first time since 1969, Barisan Nasional failed to retained their 2/3 majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
Pakatan Rakyat (PAS, PKR and DAP) sucessfully claimed 84 seats. Though they failed to realise their ambition to form the new government but to deny Barisan Nasional from retaining their 2/3 majority in the Dewan Rakyat, many Malaysian regards that as 'winning' or at least a good beginning. Barisan Nasional really doing very badly this time around. Giant killers from Pakatan Rakyat on a killing spree which resulted to many big name in Malaysian politics including Ministers, Deputy Ministers also a few President of Barisan Nasional components got “killed”.

“In the absence of 2/3 majority”, the newly formed Barisan Nasional government cannot amend any constitution.

PAS successfully retained Kelantan, this time with a bigger majority while 4 other states namely Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Perak also fall to Pakatan Rakyat. Even Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur also won by Pakatan Rakyat (if Wilayah is considered as a state). What a feat, indeed. It is a feat to be celebrated.

Is this a new beginning to a better future for all Malaysian? I just hope both coalition party work harder to prove their worth otherwise they stand a big chances being voted out of the Dewan Rakyat during the next general election. For sure they won't get my vote.


Personally, I really hope to see “big changes” soon…….but how soon only Allah S.W.T. knows.....
p.s. This is note the sad posting I promised earlier. I just want to share my observation and thought on the last General Election. I will keep my promise next posting. Thank you.

THE RETURN OF JALAN DURIAN DAUN GUY

Assalamualaikum w.b.k.

Hello fellow creatures….

It has been 9 months since my last posting to Jalan Durian Daun. I can find many reasons easily as an excuse to my absence but let me publish the biggest two.

My biggest excuse - I was busy with my Hajj preparation. I was in Medina and Mecca to perform my first Hajj from November 21, 2007 and returned to Kuala Lumpur on January 5, 2008. Yup, I went through a journey of a lifetime, indeed. A journey that act as a mirror for me to see whom am I, really. I went through many new experiences. I met many new peoples. Few of them I am still in contact with. In addition to few couples and personalities- Mastura & Shafi, Hain & Aris, Aizah & Razali, Mummy Hagerah, Aunty Faridah and their childrens too (not in any order) which I regards them as my own family, I also became close to at least two special couples and their childrens. They are Kak Khalijah & Abg Haridan and Kak Hah & Abg Hai. Cleverly, I make them feel like I am their long lost brother (hah hah hah). The truth is, Alhamdulillah, I am so grateful to what Allah S.W.T. has granted me. What else can I ask for other than fulfilling my duty as His humble servant. Insya'Allah.
I also experienced many magical things. Happy and sad as well, but trust me every happening there is very valuable and enclosed with many lesson (to be learned only if you are willing).

For many years I only heard stories plus experiences narrated by those who went earlier than me. And, I was glad Allah S.W.T. answered my doa and chose me to be one of the four millions pilgrims to perform their Hajj, the last of five pillars of Islam together with me.

I would say it was such an ‘eye opening’ trip. To experience it, you got to go through it. My little advise to all my fellow muslim, if you have a choice, do perform you Hajj while you are young, healthy and strong.

Lastly, my humble doa - Ya Allah, Ya Rahim, Ya Rahman, terimalah Haji ku. Juga, ku mohon agar Kau terima jugalah Haji saudara-saudara ku yang lain dan yang terdahulu dari ku. Amin.

Now, my second excuse for not posting anything for nine months – I AM JUST LAZY………..

But, come to think of it, laziness doesn’t bring me any where.

So, here I am, writing again. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing and sharing it with you.
My next posting will follow soon......but sadly it will not be a happy story.
Salam.

Friday, September 28, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA - BANDUNG (PART II)

We arrived Grand Preanger at about 8.30 p.m. After we dumped our shopiing bag, we went out again. Destination - Paris van Java. Yes, at nite the place are different with lights! More lively. Live band. We sat down for a drink. Cheap. Talking talking talking until 11 each before we hail a cab to go back. We need to re-pack our bag. Scary thought. I don't know how it will fit the van to Jakarta tomorrow. may the force be with us. Total - 8 bags! Too late to worry or regret. Cuma boleh mengucap panjang aje lah tengok semua beg yang "gemok-gemok" tu.



Dona : Mamiiii, I bought something for you. Hope you like it....

Mami : Eh, thank you girl. Why trouble yourselves? Aminah you see your daughter so nice la. She bought me material. Wah, so nice. I have been looking for this kind of stripe for my jubah la Aminah. She so clever and......
She start unfolding the "material" only to realise it is a pants - size 43! She frowned and in a very sad tone and teary eyes she start saying :

Mami : Aminah, you see your daughter bought me this oversize pants. Am I that big Aminah? I so sad. I think I want to go home lah. Can you please call me a cab, please Aminah.......

Aminah : No lah Ann. She meant well. Frankly, for your age, your size is just nice. Don't go back lah. If you really want to go back wait for dinner first la...

Mami : You see, you see, you also the same. Still want to feed me with food. You want to make me grow bigger? How to grow thinner like that? You should stop me from eating. Mother - daughter same same...I more sad....

Aminah : Aiyo, I sakit perut lah Ann. You wait I go toilet.
Aminah ran off to the toilet and............

Dona is no where to be seen since she handed over the size 43 pants. I think sakit perut also..........

Now, Ann left alone in the living leaning by the wall looking sadly at her newly "acquired" size 43 pants....



Kah kah kah. I am serious about meeting Mami to ask for her forgiveness for making fun of her but Dona has to kiss her feet cause she laugh more than me (like a devil) when I start talking about Mami....CekPakaran pun sama! Bukan nak bagi nasihat pun mak si Tanggang nie.



Day 3 - Bandung - Jakarta. We woke up early to get ready for breakfast. Arrange for all our luggages to be sent to the lower lobby. Before our trip to the Cipaganti office, I went to the bakery shop to buy some tiramisu but no more! Habis. Geram aku. I knew it I should have bought it last nite. Our bag almost failed to fit the taxi but we still managed. Four of us squeeze at the back seat. Who says we are fat? Lucky short journey otherwise sure we arrived "lumpuh separuh badan". Fun because we can still laugh about it!

Arrive at Cipaganti centre. The van will be departing at 10.45 a.m. We have about 90 minutes to be "wasted". Me and CekPaKaran decide to walk and look for the Amanda Brownie. Managed to find but at a higher price - Rp25,000.00! Damn! Dona paid Rp8,000.00 cheaper. We return to the centre. Still about 1 hour to departing time. I sleep on the chair. Tired.

10.25 a.m. It is time to board our van. Guess what....We have 8 bags and the space for baggages is too small to accomodate our bags. Luckily, 2 seats are not taken but we were force to buy one extra seat. Reasonable. KK says that this is the first time he sees such thing. We sit in between of bags! Kah kah kah. Macam mat dan minah indon.

During the journey, CekPaKaran open one of her kerepek pisang. She offered us. I hungry so for sure took the offer. Surprisingly, the so called "I tak makan benda-benda macam ni" namely Dona, also grab a piece. Wow. So nice lah. Eh Eh CekPa, Dona says, sedap la. I regret tak beli la CekPa, I said. CekPaKaran terus la sindir both of us. Pedas pedas, but we dont care, we still makan and makan. Tak kecik hati pun. kecik-kecik hati, lapar la jawabnya...

After 2.5 hours we arrived Novotel, ManggaDua Square. Check-in and the room - fantastic for the price we paid. Facing swimming pool.

To be continued - again.



e

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA - BANDUNG - BMW, BOEING 747, KIA PREGIO

Hello there! I am not been posting any stories lately. I have many reason. The passing of Asnah, the arrival of Ramadhan is just to mention few of my many reasons.

Actually, today while lying in my couch to wait for breaking fast at my dear Mummy Hagerah's house, I thought I should start to write and post something. Infact, I even have the topic to write. The long overdue Bandung/Jakarta trip (August 29 - September 2, 2007) with CekPaKaran, Dona and KK.

Age is catching up with me. Lately I am not feeling very well. I still feel lethargic especially after my 3 days of high fever which "came to re-visit me" 2 weekends ago. I was on MC for 3 day (not including Sunday!).

But the thought of sitting down to postall those sweetest memories that took place during hhe entire trip (from the beginning to the end of the trip), make me feel high. Keep on reading till the end. However, I have decided to make it a short stories (I meant my standard of short - normally not that short after all).

The day we all have been counting down more than 3 months ago finally arrived. August 29, 2007. To make long story short, we reached KLIA in Dan's BMW. After checked the bag in, we decided to past time at McD. Faizal came to join us later and also to send his beloved wife - away! Time to board. With hand shake, kisses and bye-bye, we make our way to the Immigration and then to the departure lounge for our Jakarta flight. We settled down almost immediately. The flight took off. We are on our way to Jakarta. Smooth flight. We arrived Jakarta on time 5.00 p.m. Went thru all the arrival procedure and we immediately looked for the Cipaganti counter for our trip by road to Bandung. Waited for about 1 hour and then we are on our way. Bad jam and we stuck in the traffic for nearly 1.5 hour before we manage to hit the highway to Bandung. I dont know it is fortunate or otherwise, the driver drove like Michael Schumaker! But believe me, he knows the road at the back of his hand! We stopped along the highway for Nasi Padang dinner - SO SO SO The Sedap Giler. Terangkat Bontot Beb!

We arrived the Grand Preanger, Bandung. Checked-in but I don't like the room. Old and it remind me of Dark Water! We make some noise and got 1 newly renovated and refurbished room. I gave the room to the ladies. We immediately plan to check out tommorow for a better hotel but most of the hotel are fully booked! Gosh! But we still utilise our welcome drink coupon the very same night. We hit back to our room at about 12.30 p.m. for ZZZZZzzzzz......... Good nite.

Day 2. Woke up at about 7.00 a.m. Went down for breakfast. Nothing to shout about but is is ok to fill our stomach. We chat and laugh, laugh and laugh and re-confirm our itineray for the 1st day in Bandung. What else other than SHOPPING!!!!!

We hit the road at about 9.00 a.m. Took Angkut-Angkut to Pasar Baru. We stopped nearby our destination to buy the SIMPATI – local phone card. So cheap and we are so stingy to buy the minimum – Rp10,000.00 (RM3.75). Dirt cheap but it is enough to find each other should anybody got missing, kidnapped, raped and being dumped into one of those big and smelly garbage bin (it didn’t happened after all otherwise my story would be much more interesting)…

We walked to Pasar Baru. On the way we stopped at the DVD "C" Center. C stand for ciplak. Bought some DVD and continue our journey to the Pasar. Still early as most of the shop is still not opened yet. But is is good enough as CekPaKaran managed to buy telekong (I pun tak mau kalah jugak, beli lah), Dona bought corset (ada size pulak tu) and that weirdo KK bought something which I don’t know or bother to know. Immediately we went back to the hotel to drop our very first shopping bag and make our way to Jalan Dago for another shopping trip. All of us bought something and knowing Dona for her big appetite – she bought Amanda Brownie. I have been to Bandung 5 times but I never thought of buying it! It is very popular in Bandung. Sold in lorries or van by the road side. It is known as Brownie Jalanan to the local. Cheap Rp17,000.00 (RM6.35). She declared that will be our snack later but the problem is we don’t have knife to cut the brownie into smaller size. Not too worry, with Dona around, she will tackle it later (when food is concerned).

We are done with Jalan Dago. Our self elected Tourguide, KK suggested we go to Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP). No objection and all we know we are outside BIP. As we are still not hungry, I suggested we go for dessert - Esteler 77. Best nyerrrr! Strange as the dessert work out our appetite. We went to the top floor and found this clean and nice kept restaurant and the rest are history. We makan! Sedap la makanan Indon nie. Baju tambah ketat lah. Kah kah kah.

Next - we walked through the back lane of BIP to Jalan Riau. Shopping again - never seems to finish la. Our hand are full of shopping bag. As a big brother I took the responsibility to help the two ladies to carry some of their shopping goods but in between they offer to help me to carry it. I rejected it la. Tak macho la beb tapi tangan I macam nak putus la jugak. On the way back to the hotel, we stop at the supermarket - shop again for drinks and take away Nasi padang for our dinner in the room. It was about 9.00 p.m. and I bought whatever left in the tray. The girl like me and give me a good discount la!

After quick shower, we wnt to the girls room for dinner - actually supper! I must admit that was the best Nasi Padang I have tasted - not so much of the food but more on the enjoyment of arranging the food on the small table, talking with our mouth full, laughing, trying to chew the food and gulp the food down out throat and laugh again.... Yes, all of us are not only hungry but greedy especially Dona la (I small eater la)....

How not to grow fat - after mencecek - we hit the bed. ZZZZzzzzZZZZ.........

Day 3 - The most happening and the last day for shopping. Breakfast (the same food again la)After breakfast we have to find out where the hell is this leather good shop called Rias. We been asking around but always no good or right answer. We barged into the business centre at the hotel lobby and Dona asked the girl manning the centre. It went like this :

Dona:Kamu tau tak di mana kedai yang jual barangan kulit namanya Rias?

Pompuan:Rias? O kedai tu dekat aje. Kamu keluar pusing kanan, pusing kiri, jalan sedikit dah sampai.

Razak:Hah? Mabuk ke pompuan nie!

Dona:Kedai apa tu? Kedai kulit?

Pompuan:Ya kedai rias. Rias muka. Solek.

Razak:Ya Aula, Dona dia suroh kau berhias dan bersolek la pulak! Tak cukup lawa ke? Apa ke bangang nye c pompuan nie.

Dona:Bukan la. Kedai jual barang kulit!

Razak:I terus amek dia punye Yellow Pages tanpa pengetahuan dia. Punishment!

We both walked out from the business center. Frustrated, angry and funny at the same time. We don't know to laugh or to strangle her neck but we are on holiday. We chose to laugh and make fun of people stupidity.

We hailed a cab and KK simply ask whether the driver know where is Rias. He says yes. Diaz di Jalan Sederhana! Kah kah kah we laugh again. Diaz la bodoh, bukan Rias. Kah kah kah. Don't ever underestimate the taxi driver ok!

We arrived safely. Not far actually. Amazing! The shop carries wide range of hand bags. I managed to find the hand bag for Hain, my neighbour. Dona terus hilang akal - beli dua. CekPaKaran pulak kalau tak makan pil penenang pikiran mesti beli tiga. Tapi pasal dah tenang beli satu. Lepas tu masa balik cakap - I sesal la bang tak beli beg macam yang you beli tu. Cantek. My answer standard la - kau ni memang gatal la, 10 kali abg tanya tapi asik geleng sapi aje. Sekarang menyesal pulak. Gatal.....

After Diaz, KK brought us to Paris van Java. New shopping complex. Nice and so Paris. Good weather pulak tu. We shop some more. Buy CD. Macam2. Lagu Indon, lagu Jazz, ghost movie etc. We decided to come back at nite because we know it look much more lively and beautiful at nite.-

Next - Jalan Setiabudi. Our target is Rumah Mode but we stopped right in front of a factory outlet with this catch line - FOREVER SALE. Yes....Shopping again walau pun beg dah tak cukup tangan nak bawak nie. I tak mau jadi hero sangat lah hari ni. Tolong bawak sikit2 aje. Tangan I dah panjang macam tangan orang utan! In this shop I saw Dona were holding a blue color pants that make me laugh immediately - so big. Macam cadar katil. I asked her for who? So big lah. She says yes, size 43! For my mother in-law. Kah kah kah kah kah. I laughed but Dona laugh are longer, louder and more cunning than me. We looked at each other and we laugh again. I started to create all kind of joke about the pants and Dona being so antu (bukan menantu) also add some spice to the joke. The next two day the "Mummy, I bought something for you" is the keep on repeating line among us. Laugh la apa lagi. Kah kah kah....

On the way out to Rumah Mode, CekPaKaran saw the kerepek pisang she been looking for since arriving Bandung. She bought 5 packets. She asked me and Dona whether we want to buy or not. My reply "don't want la, for what". Dona reply lagi teruk dan dengan gaya Indon kaya dan sombong "Oh, I tak makan benda-benda macam nie". CekPaKaran sedih but nak cover line dia blame budak2 kat opis yang kirim beli. Kemaluan kot! I told CekPaKaran she reminds me of this character - Mak Si Tanggang yang bawak macam2 benda kampung masa nak jumpa anak dia - bezanya CikPaKaran muda dan lawa aje.

We arrived our ultimate destination - Rumah Mode. I am too tired to shop. I vounteer to sit at one bench and take care all the shopping bag. I sit and sit and sit and wait and wai and wait but they are all missing. Never appear after more than one hour. My eyelids are so so so heavy (as heavy as the owner of the 43 waist line pants) how to sleep. I am the Guardian of approximately Rp10 Millions of shopping goods! Suddenly, I got an idea. I rearranged the shooping bag - the expensive one at the bottom and the cheap one including the size 43 pants on top of it (who wants to steal size 43 pants other than Shanee!). Once I am done with it, what else - tidur macam Bai Jaga Kedai Emas kat Petaling Street! When I opened my eyes, CekPaKaran was in front of me and her big eyes staring at my beautiful face and body. I don't know what else she did to me. She caught me sleeping on the job! Then she says, "kesian Abg!" but I notice she has that kind of funny look...... Adakah aku telah di molest? Oh tidak!!!!


More shopping bags. Macam orang gila yang kutip beg plastik dari dalam tong sampah tu la! Now, we have to get taxi back to the hotel but from the situation of the traffic outside Rumah Mode is chaos. We know it is quite impossible. So, the next best thing is Angkut-Angkut la. We managed to arrive the hotel safely (with 1001 plastic bag).

To be continued.......stay with me.